Former Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Bernard Allotey Jacobs, has noted that the introduction of numerous taxes by the government will have a toll on Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign ahead of the 2024 general elections.
In a post on X platform, February 2, Mr Jacobs held the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta responsible for the introduction of more taxes.
According to him, the taxes being introduced are “useless” and pose a danger to the New Patriotic Party’s chances of retaining power with Dr Bawumia as its flagbearer.
He therefore charged the Finance Minister to take a step back and desist from taking any further actions that could jeopardise the Vice President’s political chances as it is unwise to worsen the wellbeing of citizens in an election period.
“Mr Ken Ofori Atta don’t close the Electoral Door against Dr Mahamadu. Bawumia with this useless taxes. Ken Ofori Atta it seems you are not in tune with our political system and how elections are won in this country,” he wrote.
The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is expected to address concerns regarding recent policies, particularly the implementation of VAT on electricity bills and the controversial Emissions Levy.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer is scheduled to address the nation on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, unveiling his vision for the country in his bid to succeed President Nana Akufo-Addo in January 2025.
However, the anticipation of this address is reported to be overshadowed by the enforcement of Value Added Tax (VAT) on household electricity bills and the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112), which imposes significant taxes on vehicle owners.
Insiders have hinted at surprises in Dr. Bawumia’s address, themed “Ghana’s next chapter: selfless leadership and bold solutions for the future,” as per a memo issued by the NPP.
The Emissions Levy, enforced by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) from February 1, 2024, has sparked public outcry, especially due to the substantial annual amounts imposed on some vehicle owners. The levies range from GH¢75 for motorcycles and tricycles to GH¢300 for cargo trucks and articulated trucks.
Critics argue that these tax policies, along with recent levies, may impact the NPP’s popularity negatively in the lead-up to the December 2024 elections.
Many communicators within the party are reported to have expressed dissatisfaction with Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, accusing him of mismanaging the economy and diminishing the party’s appeal amid economic challenges and unemployment.
The Emissions Levy Act, enacted in December 2023, aims to address greenhouse gas emissions by imposing levies on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles. The government hopes that these measures will encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies and align with global efforts toward net-zero targets.